Fiberglass Pools Archives - Page 6 of 11

The Gonzalez Family Gets a Goliath

Posted on March 5, 2019October 24, 2024 by krista

Meet the Gonzalez family*: The Gonzalez family lives in a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio called Loveland. Alonzo and his wife Maria own a large home in a beautiful subdivision where they raised five kids. They now have ten grandkids who are the light of their lives. While everyone leads busy lives, Maria still cooks family dinner every Sunday night, and everyone who lives anywhere nearby sets time aside for it as best they can. There’s always something to celebrate, whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary or a great report card. Nothing is more important than spending quality family time together.

The Gonzalez family has decided to get a pool. As the grandkids get older, they’re always looking for something fun to do at Nana and Papa’s house. Maria and Alonzo have a huge yard, and the kids love to run around and play football and tag, but the kids have been hinting at how much they love to swim and how they wish there was a pool they could all enjoy. Maria and Alonzo know that a nice inground pool will keep the kids looking forward to visiting and bringing their friends as they get older.

Here are some factors they’re considering:

They want a BIG pool. If they’re getting a pool, they want it to have plenty of room for everyone to be able to get some exercise and play games.
They want a pool that’s easy to get in and out of. Their youngest grandchild is two years old and Maria’s mom, who lives nearby, will be using the pool as well. They want a pool with steps that make it easy for their youngest and oldest swimmers (and everyone in between) to enter and exit the pool.
They want a pool that’s great for socializing. The Gonzalez household has always been the go-to house for neighborhood parties. Having a pool will make those parties even better. Maria and Alonzo want a pool with lots of spots to sit and visit so their older neighbors have a place to relax when they come by.
They want a pool that will be low-maintenance. Maria and Alonzo are busy. They don’t want to spend tons of time on pool maintenance. They want a pool that’s easy to take care of and keep clean so they can spend the maximum amount of time enjoying the pool with their kids and grandkids.
They want a pool that will be safe for their whole family. Their yard is fenced in, so they don’t have to worry about neighbor kids getting in the pool unattended. But they don’t want to worry about the kids in their house wandering out to the yard and getting in the pool alone.

The Gonzalez family chose the the Goliath by Thursday Pools.

Here’s why:

The Goliath is huge. The Goliath by Thursday Pools comes in three sizes—big, bigger and massive! They chose the largest option, the 16’ x 41’. It has a maximum depth of 6’8” so the deep-end is great for the grown-ups while the shallow-end, at just under 4’ in depth, is a good spot for the younger swimmers to practice their swimming skills near the steps.
Wide, non-skid steps. The Goliath offers wide, curving dual corner entry steps that are adjacent to the built-in benches. This makes the Goliath super easy for swimmers of all ages to ease into the pool. Plus, the gel coat finish gives their new inground fiberglass pool a really nice non-skid surface that’s easy on swimsuits and little feet.
Ample seating and a courtesy ledge. In addition to the built-in benches by the steps, the Goliath also offers dual, deep-end benches with swim-outs and a courtesy ledge all around the deep-end for plenty of space to socialize and relax.
Low-maintenance fiberglass. Maria and Alonzo wanted a fiberglass pool because they like the way fiberglass pools are made. They’re lower maintenance than vinyl and gunite. They never need liner replacements or resurfacing, and they require fewer chemicals to maintain water balance, which means more time to play with the grandkids!
Automatic pool safety cover-ready. The Goliath by Thursday Pools is built to be automatic pool safety cover-ready. Automatic pool safety covers offer the ultimate peace of mind for inground pool owners because they keep the pool closed up tight when it’s not in use and require a code to open. The Gonzalez’ love the fact that they’ll never have to worry that their young swimmers could wander into the pool unattended.

The Gonzalez family has their Happily Ever After:

Now, the Gonzalez family has a new Sunday tradition. Sure, they still enjoy one of Maria’s wonderful meals, but they all enjoy a Sunday swim as well. The kids come up with new games to play in the pool all the time, and they’ve made new friends with the neighbor kids too. Nana and Papa’s house is their favorite destination!

The Gonzalez family found their perfect pool, and you can find your dream inground fiberglass pool too! If you’re ready to take the plunge with a new inground fiberglass pool, get an estimate today.

Get a closer look at the Goliath pool design.

Take a 360 tour of the Goliath pool design!

*Based on the personalities, demographics and fun-loving spirit of our Thursday Pools customers, we’ve created some fictional families and paired them with their perfect pools!

How to Choose the Thursday Pools Design that’s Right for You

Posted on February 28, 2019April 3, 2024 by krista

You’re actually doing it. You’re getting an inground pool. You’re past the wishing and dreaming stage. You’ve done your research, set your budget and considered your financing. You know you want a fiberglass pool, because your research has shown that fiberglass is the way to go for durability, overall value low pool maintenance and awesome aesthetics. Your research has also shown that, of all the fiberglass pool manufacturers out there, Thursday Pools is the top of the line for quality and variety of design options. And, because sustainability is important to you, you also like the fact that we hold an ISO 14001 certification for environmental stewardship.

So, now it’s about to get real up in here. It’s time to choose your pool design.

You may be excited, but also kind of unsure. You’re choosing something that’s going to become a part of your house, most likely for as long as you live in it, and beyond. It’s not like choosing a paint color that you can change next year if you get tired of it.

We get it. It’s a big decision. Let’s take a look at some tips that will help you choose the ideal pool design for you and your family.

Choose a size range. Note that we said size range—not size. This is a key distinction, because there’s no one perfectly sized pool for your unique backyard. Thursday Pools has a wide selection of fiberglass pool designs, and many of them come in several sizes to ensure that you’ll have the features you want in the space you have available. Be flexible and keep an open mind.
Consider the grand scheme of things. We’ve said this before, but it bears repeating: You probably don’t want to buy the biggest pool you can fit in your yard. Grab your tape measure and go! Don’t be afraid to go the hardware store and purchase yard paint and flags. This is a great way to start visualizing the space! Of the free space that you determine is available, set aside the space you will need for your patio area and landscaping. Consider how far from waters edge you want your furniture, grill, dining, etc. And, take into consideration any potential future additions such as a bath house/cabana, playset, or spa. What space is left? That is the space you have for water.
Plot it out. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices (and before you make your final decision,) get your hands on the plot plan or survey of your lot. This will allow you to see easements or setbacks that may limit the amount of space you have to work with. Do you have any underground private or public utilities that you need to avoid? The plot plan will help you identify if the pool shape and size you’ve chosen are possible, or if you need to rethink your choice.
Follow the 90% rule. There is not going to be one pool design that’s perfect for everyone in your family. Don’t be surprised if you’re having a hard time agreeing on one.

So do this: think about who will be enjoying the pool 90 percent of the time. Be realistic about who’s going to use the pool most and how they’re most likely to use it. Here are some tips to help you prioritize the features that are most important to your family and best fit everyone’s unique needs.

- Are you mostly active pool goers? Do you plan to use your pool for daily exercise or sports? If so, then you want to look for a design that has an open swim lane or an appropriate depth for volleyball. If so, then you may want to look at Thursday Pools designs, like the Goliath, Monolith, Lil Bob, Cathedral or Spirit.
- Are you mostly laid back pool goers? Do the sun worshippers in your family want to be able to soak up the sun on the weekends? If so, consider a Thursday Pools design with a built-in tanning ledge or sun shelf, like the Aspen, Lil Bob LX, Wellspring, Cathedral LX, Pearl or Sun Day.
- Is easy entrance and exit a priority? If you have very young swimmers or older family members who need to be able to sit safely in a shallow area or be able to ease in and out of the pool, a zero entry (or beach entry) fiberglass pool, such as the Grace Beach Entry or Sandal Beach Entry design might be a great choice for you (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). Beach entry pools also provide a fabulous spot for themed pool parties!

Listen to the pros. Sure, no one’s backyard is exactly like yours. However, your local, trusted Thursday Pools dealer has seen hundreds of backyards that are probably pretty similar to yours. They’ve helped many other homeowners make the best choice for them, and they can help you avoid costly mistakes in your planning. They can put together an overall design for your pool project that works with the design of your home, your available space and, of course, your budget.

For additional help choosing the Thursday Pools fiberglass pool design that’s right for you, check out our nifty Pool Selector Tool!

The Langdons Get a Lil Bob | Thursday Pools

Posted on February 7, 2019October 28, 2024 by krista

Meet the Langdons:

Steve and Maya Langdon live in, Oak Park, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. Steve is a brand manager for a well-known online outdoor clothing retailer, and Maya is a yoga instructor. Steve and Maya both adore outdoor adventure, and fitness is very important to them. Their daughter Ellie is almost two years old. Ellie also loves adventure–she’s always up for a jaunt in her stroller, and there’s nothing she loves more than being out in the sunshine. It’s really important to Steve and Maya to teach Ellie about the joys of being playful and feeling healthy and strong.

The Langdons have decided to get a pool.

Steve and Maya are both big on research. When they first started thinking about getting a pool, they were worried that their backyard wasn’t big enough to accommodate a pool while leaving enough room for some grass for Ellie to play in. However, they soon discovered that there are several great pool designs for smaller yards that will allow them to have a fabulous inground pool and still have ample space for a patio and yard. And because they want a low maintenance pool that will give them the best resale value for their house, they’re going with a fiberglass pool over vinyl. Lastly, cost is a factor. They’ll need to finance their new pool, and they know that a smaller pool will require a smaller budget. Now, they just need to choose the best small fiberglass pool design for them.

Here are some some factors they’re considering:

They’re very social. They love to have friends over, and they’re envisioning lots of people hanging out in the pool.
Safety is crucial! They don’t ever want to have to worry that Ellie could wander into the pool unattended, so having a pool that is automatic safety cover-ready is non-negotiable.
A spot for Ellie. The pool needs to have a shallow area for Ellie to hang out while she learns to swim.
No slips and falls. They don’t want anyone to slip getting in and out of the pool, so they don’t want the steps or other surfaces to be slippery.
A place to play. They’d like a uniform depth for a competitive water game like basketball or volleyball.

The Langdons choose the Lil Bob by Thursday Pools.

Here’s why:

The perfect size. The Lil Bob has an overall size of 13.5’ x 27.5’, which packs a ton of swimming fun into the space they have available, while leaving room for furniture, landscaping and some green space for Ellie to play.
Lots of seating. The elongated, wraparound benches create a wonderful conversation area for friends and family.
Safety cover-ready. The Lil Bob is auto-cover ready, giving them both ease of maintenance and peace of mind.
Easy in and out. The full-length entry steps make for easy entrance and exit from the pool and give Ellie a perfect perch for splashing and learning to safely enjoy the water.
Non-skid surface. The non-skid surface on floor, benches and steps of the Lil Bob means safety and comfort for swimmers of all ages.
Fun-friendly depth. The flat-bottom 4’6” depth makes it ideal for entertaining and water fun.

The Langdons have their Happily Ever After with their Thursday Pools Lil Bob:

Now, the Langdons love their small backyard. Where there was once just a patch of grass to mow, there’s now a wonderful swimming pool oasis that’s ready to play any time they are. (Which is pretty much all the time.) Ellie loves the water, and “pool” is now her most spoken word! Maya and Steve are having a blast coming up with pool-themed party ideas, and their friends are always ready for the next weekend fiesta. Life is good indeed.

The Langdons found their perfect pool, and you can too, no matter the size of your yard. If you’re ready to start making a lifetime of memories in a new inground fiberglass pool, get an estimate today.

Take a Wet Tour of the Lil Bob!

#perfectpool #ingroundfiberglasspool #poolsoakpark #poolschicago #swimmingpoolschicago #fiberglasspoolschicago #happilyeverafter #getintheswim

*Based on the personalities, demographics and fun-loving spirit of our Thursday Pools customers, we’ve created some fictional families and paired them with their perfect pool!

Trending Small Fiberglass Pool Designs for Small Backyards

Posted on February 6, 2019October 28, 2024 by krista

Do you have a small backyard? It’s not a bad thing. While your neighbors are toiling away mowing their sprawling expanses of green, you’ve finished in a snap and are ready to relax with a cold beverage. Wouldn’t it be great if you could enjoy that cold beverage lounging next to (or floating in!) a refreshing small fiberglass pool? Your small yard doesn’t mean you can’t create a fabulous, intimate backyard getaway with a small pool. There are undoubtedly small fiberglass pool designs to suit your tastes and lifestyle.

Small fiberglass pools can make a significant impact on your social life and quality family time, and overall fitness and well-being. And if in your quest for a smaller pool you find yourself asking, “is a fiberglass pool worth the money?” we’d like to assure you that there are resources out there to help you make that determination. Stay tuned until the end for small fiberglass pools F.A.Q. to get more information.

If you know fiberglass is the way for you, check out these four fabulous small fiberglass pool designs from Thursday Pools that can turn your small backyard into a fun zone for the entire swim season. Meet Sea Turtle, Lil Bob, Titus, and Aspen!

Sea Turtle

Every bit of this small fiberglass pool packs a punch with its open swim area and flat-bottom 4’6″ depth. If you’re looking to get more exercise in the new year, Sea Turtle can be outfitted to accommodate a Badu Swim Jet System, which will turn your pool into a water treadmill. A wrap-around bench on either side of the steps increases your area to chat, relax, and unwind. And if you want a spa-like experience after exercising and socializing, this versatile pool design can also be outfitted with therapy jets.

Take a closer look at the Sea Turtle’s features.

Or, dive into this 360 view!

Key Features

Sea Turtle has an overall size of 9.5’ x 19.5’.

Elongated benches can be outfitted with spa jets for the ultimate relaxation experience.
A flat-bottom 4’6″ depth is ideal for socializing. Most adults can walk the entire pool without treading water.
Non-skid surface on the floor, benches, and steps means safety and comfort for swimmers of all ages.
Ideal design for swim jet systems like Badu.
Auto-cover ready for ease of maintenance and peace of mind.

Lil Bob

Known as the perfect small pool, Lil Bob is one of Thursday Pools’ top-selling fiberglass pool designs. This fiberglass pool is small in size but big in stature with all the most loved features of Sea Turtle, upsized!

Take a closer look at the Lil Bob’s features.

Or, dive into this 360 view!

Key Features

Lil Bob has an overall size of 13.5’ x 27.5’.

Wrap-around, elongated benches create a wonderful conversation area for friends and family.
The flat-bottom 4’6″ depth makes it ideal for entertaining and water fun.
Elegant, full-length entry steps make entering and exiting the pool easy.
Non-skid surface on the floor, benches, and steps means safety and comfort for swimmers of all ages.
Auto-cover ready for ease of maintenance and peace of mind.

Titus

With a classic “Figure 8” shape, Titus adds a simple silhouette to any small yard. This small fiberglass pool goes a little deeper than most other small pools, plunging to a 5’5” depth. You’ll find yourself spending countless hours soaking on the deep-end bench, feeling the stress of the day melt away.

Take a closer look at Titus’ features.

Or, dive into this 360 view!

Key Features

Titus has an overall size of 12’x 26’.

A roomy deep-end bench is a perfect spot to sip your favorite summertime refreshment.
Non-skid surface on the floor, benches, and steps means safety and comfort for swimmers of all ages.
Wide entry steps with seats give you easy in and out, plus a great place to sit and chill.

Aspen

*Note: This Aspen pictured above is in our 16’’ x 40’ size.

Looking for a fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge? Look no further than Aspen. Coming in 5 different sizes, the smallest being 12’ x 25’ with a 5’1” depth, Aspen can make itself at home in almost any yard. This design includes many desired pool features, so the whole family can find a place to have fun.

Take a closer look at Aspen’s features.

Or, jump into this 360 view!

Key Features:

Aspen comes in 5 sizes, ranging from 12’ x 25’ to 16’ x 40’.

Tanning ledge, which is perfect for ledge loungers.
Non-skid surface on the floor, stairs, benches, and tanning ledge is easy on your feet and swimsuit.
An extended bench gives you a place to relax, unwind and socialize.
Dual swim outs and benches provide comfort and convenience in the deep end of the pool.
The courtesy ledge around the deep end gives you a place to stand and rest.
A wide-open swim area makes exercising in your new pool easy and fun.
Auto-cover ready to help you keep your new pool safe and clean.

Small Fiberglass Pool F.A.Q.

Q: What Sizes Do Fiberglass Pools Come In?

A: Fiberglass pools come in a variety of sizes! Our smallest designs come in at 9.5’ x 19.5’ (Sea Turtle) and 15’ x 25’ (Pearl). Our largest measures in at 16’ x 41’ (Goliath). Fiberglass pools tend to not get much larger than a 16’ x 40’-41’ size due to shipping limitations. There are other fiberglass options beyond a traditional pool if you’re looking for something smaller, such as a Wet Deck or a Wading Pool.

Q: Can Fiberglass Pools Be Any Shape?

A: Fiberglass pools are not able to be customized for shape or size. A fiberglass pool shell’s shape and size are determined by the fiberglass pool manufacturers designing them and are produced from a mold.

Q: How Much Will a Small Fiberglass Pool Cost Me?

A: Pricing can vary depending on many factors, including your geographic location, what features and accessories you decide to add on, if there are any permits required in your area and more. Your local fiberglass pool dealer can give you more accurate estimates for where you live. You can also try our inground fiberglass pool cost calculator for a ballpark estimate of your project.

No matter which Thursday Pools small pool design you choose, your tiny patch of grass will be converted into the perfect staycation spot for years of memorable moments. Need some more backyard inspiration? Check out Small Backyard Pool Ideas on a Budget to find just that!!

Get an estimate today.

Ask The General: The Benefits of a Rectangular Pool

Posted on February 5, 2019March 28, 2024 by krista

Dear General-

My family has committed to getting in shape in 2019, and we’ve decided that since we want to have fun doing it, one of the ways we’ll get more exercise is with a new fiberglass pool! There are so many pool shapes and sizes out there—what are the best pools for both exercise and fun?

Signed,

Getting Fit in Fishers

Dear Getting Fit-

First of all, congrats on the decision to get an inground pool. You won’t regret it. In addition to getting in shape together– you’ll enjoy quality time with friends and family.

When evaluating shapes to accommodate both exercise and games, a rectangular pool is your best bet. Let’s take a look at the reasons they’re great from several angles.

They’re excellent for lap swimming. Since you’ve mentioned that exercise is one of your primary goals, a larger rectangular pool makes the most sense because of the wide-open swim lanes and straight sides. While you can also find some large freeform pools with wide-open swim lanes, the uniform length of a rectangular provides plenty of space for multiple swimmers to swim laps side-by-side.
They play nice with automatic pool covers. You’ve heard me talk about how much I like automatic pool covers for so many reasons, such as ease of maintenance, reduced chemical use and peace of mind (safety). Most any rectangular pool is compatible with automatic pool covers, making it easy for your pool builder to install while they’re putting in your new pool.
They’re easier to keep clean. I personally have an “L” shaped pool, but my next pool will be a rectangle. The “L” shape is very functional because you have a deep end along with big shallow end. However, it is very hard (nearly impossible) and expensive to install an automatic cover. Plus, it’s not very compatible with automatic cleaners, so unless you strategically placed return water inlets (eyeballs), surface debris collects in the corners. I’m all for easier pool maintenance, so I’ll vote for anything that simplifies it.
They’re easier (and cheaper) to install. Whether you’re choosing vinyl, fiberglass or gunite, rectangle pools are just easier to install. And since time is money, that means you’ll save a bit when it comes to installing a rectangular pool over other shapes. With a vinyl liner pool, rectangles are easier to square up and level during installation, and the liners fit better in rectangles than they do in freeform pools. Gunite (concrete) rectangular pools are by far easier to frame during construction than shaped pools. And when it comes to fiberglass pools, they’re manufactured in one piece at the factory, so framing isn’t a concern, but the dig specs are much more straightforward with a rectangle. So, no matter which kind of pool you choose, rectangles can be easier on your budget.
You can get the best of both. Maybe you’re thinking, “But General, I don’t like so many straight lines. I want our pool to be unique!” Well, first of all, your pool will be unique because it’s yours. You’ll put your own spin on the furniture, landscaping and accessories. Additionally, when you choose a rectangular pool, that doesn’t mean you can’t have rounded corners, square corners, reversed radius corners or diagonal corners. You can also make your concrete deck any shape you want. So, if you want a lima bean, an “L” or a full-on freeform, you could accomplish that same look with decking all the way around your rectangle pool. And, if you REALLY want it to be unique, get a rectangular beach entry fiberglass pool (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). They just came out, so you’ll most likely be the only ones in your neighborhood to have one.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying freeform pools aren’t great. Dome-shaped pools are great. Pools, in general, are great. In a future post, I’ll point out the virtues of non-rectangular pools, but from what you’ve told me about how you want to use your pool, I personally think rectangular is the way to go. Best wishes.

Until next time-

The General

Every month, The General uses his more than 30 years’ experience in the pool business to tackle a topic for curious pool owners. Stay tuned for more helpful pool owner tips and tricks!

January Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight: W.E.T. Pools and Spas, Effingham, Illinois

Posted on January 25, 2019October 24, 2024 by krista

Every month, we chat with Thursday Pools dealers to learn more about their business and what’s trending in their area. This month, we talked to Doug Thoele, owner of W.E.T. Pools and Spas in Effingham, Illinois.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

We were originally in the pressure washer business. I started the company with a couple of partners in 1996. When the economy went south, around 1999, we switched gears. We had named the company Water Equipment Technologies (W.E.T.) so that we could go in more than one direction with the business if we needed to. It seemed at that time like there weren’t too many pool and spa companies around here, so we thought we’d work our way into that market. It turned out pretty well. And now, as far as the ownership goes, it’s just me.

What geographic areas do you serve?

We serve most of southern Illinois, and we’ll go as far as 75-100 miles away. Our primary service areas for fiberglass pool installations are Effingham, Charleston, Marshall, Mattoon, Shelbyville and Vandalia, Illinois.

What do you love about being in the pool business?

I like that it’s seasonal, and I like to work outside. We started out as a service business, and that’s what we still are. I wouldn’t have it any other way. We have great customers and that makes my job really easy.

What Thursday Pools fiberglass pool designs and colors are the most popular among pool buyers in the areas you serve?

Our biggest seller is the Lil Bob. We also sell a lot of Goliaths and Aspens. Automatic pool covers are pretty much standard around here, so we like pools that are auto-cover ready. We work with APC (Automatic Pool Covers), and we like them a lot. Most of our customers have pretty big lots, so they have room for deep and large fiberglass pools. We sell lots of 16 x 40s. California is by far our most popular color.

What are the most popular add-on features in the fiberglass pools that W.E.T. Pools and Spas installs right now?

We do lots of salt systems and lighting packages—also, deck jets, some waterfalls and a fair amount of slides. We don’t do any diving boards.

What do you think about Thursday Pools’ new beach entry designs?

We’ve been watching the new beach entry designs, Grace and Sandal (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). We haven’t had any hits on them yet. I’m curious as to how the automatic pool covers are going to work with them, and I’m looking forward to learning more about them at the Dealer Conference next month.

What particular challenges does W.E.T. Pools and Spas face with fiberglass pool installations in your part of Indiana?

We’re pretty fortunate there—no complaints. We don’t have rocky soil, and most of our customers have pretty wide open access. So I guess we’re lucky compared to some.

What’s the cost of an average inground pool installation for you?

Our average inground fiberglass pool installation is around $45,000. That includes excavation, the pool itself, LED lighting, an automatic pool safety cover and the electrical work. We don’t do concrete or landscaping. We do about 18 inground fiberglass pool installations per year and around 25 vinyl liners.

What trends has W.E.T. Pools and Spas seen emerge lately in the inground fiberglass pool industry?

I’ve used Thursday Pools’ Backfill Eliminator®. I think it works pretty well. We use the Lucky 7 Skimmer® on every pool we install. It’s saved us a ton of trouble. It makes the skimmers so much easier to install, and they work better too.

What have you noticed changing in pool buyers’ demographics over the years?

Pool buyers are getting younger, I think. Our typical customers are families where both Mom and Dad work. They’re in the 35 to 45 year-old range. They buy a new house, and then put in a pool.

What works for W.E.T. Pools and Spas in terms of marketing?

We don’t do any marketing! We have enough to do! Seriously, it’s hard to find good workers, so we keep our business to what we can handle with the staff we have. If you can find a company that manufactures hard workers, let me know.

What are your thoughts on Thursday Pools?

Thursday Pools is a top-notch company. They do things right. Their pools are easy to install because their dig specs are just dead-on. When you excavate for one of their pools, you know it’s going to fit. I’ve had other companies where the specs are off, or the pools are lower quality. Thursday Pools makes a really high quality product.

Another great thing is their literature and marketing materials. This has traditionally been “Vinyl Liner Country” around here. It was hard to get customers to understand the benefits of fiberglass pools for a while. Thursday Pools gave us lots of good literature to help us show people the benefits of fiberglass pools over other types of pools.

I also like the fact that I can always talk to them. They always have time. They’re just good people.

What’s the secret to W.E.T. Pool and Spa’s success?

Well, like I said before, we’re in the service business. I don’t like being in the spotlight because it’s not about us. It’s about our customers. We place a high emphasis on education and helping our customers get the most out of their pools. One of the things that’s been really successful for us is our Pool School, which we offer through our retail store every year in April. We offer our customers education on water chemistry and testing and pool maintenance in general and usually have at least 80 people attend.

Other than that, when it comes to installations, we just try not to take risks. It’s important to me that we do things right, the first time.

You are by this NOTICE advised that pools manufactured by Thursday Pools are sold by independent dealers and dealerships. Each dealer is an independent business entity, that is completely separate from the manufacturer, Thursday Pools. Each dealer is an independent contractor, and no dealer is an owner, agent (in fact or law), or employee of Thursday Pools, the manufacturer. Thursday Pools, the manufacturer, hereby disclaims any liability for an intentional or negligent act by any dealer, dealership, or installer, or any damage to any Thursday Pools pool caused by an act of any dealer, dealership, or installer.

Some of the content in this blog may reflect prices, perspectives, processes, entities, and names that were relevant at the time but may not be accurate today.

Ask the General: How Do I Choose the Perfect Pool Design for My Family?

Posted on January 11, 2019June 27, 2023 by krista

Dear General-

Well, we’re finally going to do it. We’ve decided that we’re going to have a new inground pool put in this year. (It’s our New Year’s resolution to have more fun as a family!) So now we’re past the dreaming stage and on to the choosing stage. We feel that fiberglass is the right kind of pool for us. But, I have to say, we’re a little overwhelmed. We started looking at all the available pool designs–the options for shapes, sizes and features for fiberglass pools–and we couldn’t believe how many choices there were! This is a big decision. How do we pick the perfect pool design for our family?

Signed-

Overwhelmed in Oak Park

Dear Overwhelmed-

I hear you. Although I’m retired now, I was in the fiberglass pool business for many years, and it seemed like there was something new every time I turned around–new shapes, sizes, features and innovations to make your fiberglass pool easier to install. There is the Backfill Eliminator® to make pool maintenance for fiberglass pools easier and the Lucky 7 Skimmer® that ensures a perfect skimmer fit for fiberglass pools. In addition to new innovations, the design options just kept getting better and better.

I was a Design consultant for many years and involved in the pool planning process thousands of times. I found that the absolutely best way to start in designing the project was to glean from the client as much information as possible while making sure they were a big part of the process. It helps to have their input, after all, it is going to be theirs, and they are paying for it.

Deciding what is perfect for your location, lifestyle, purpose of use, and pocketbook can be an enjoyable experience, or a frustrating one. To help you pick the perfect pool for you, here is a list of things to consider when you’re choosing a fiberglass pool.

What’s your budget? Pools aren’t like sweaters, where a small one costs the same as an extra large. The bigger pool you choose, the bigger your budget needs to be. So you might want to make yourself a chart (or a spreadsheet), and prioritize the add-on features that are must-haves for you. Decide how you plan to finance your pool. You also want to have a contingency budget for expenses you might not be considering, such as site preparation and dirt removal.
How much pool do you want (and need?) The first step in determining your ideal pool size is to get a plot plan or survey for an accurate measurement of your yard and easements. Also keep in mind the need for a yard, landscaping, decking, furniture and equipment.
How do you plan to use your pool? Are you planning to swim laps? Look for a wide-open swim lane. Soak up a lot of sun? Get a pool with a built-in tanning ledge. Play games? Look for a uniform depth, flat bottom. Do you have tiny tykes that need a shallow spot to learn to enjoy the water? Consider one of the fiberglass pool industry’s newest innovations–a beach entry pool (also called zero entry pools Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). These are available in freeform or rectangular shapes. If you’re thinking of a diving board, you’ll need a Type 1 diving pool, because building codes require a diving pool to be at least an 8’ depth to be safe for diving. Make yourself a chart, and prioritize the different ways you think you might use your pool because this will help you pick a pool design. There are also some cool tools online that can help you narrow things down.
What shape fits your style? A good pool designer will look at the existing architectural elements in your home and landscaping and suggest a pool shape to complement them. For example, if you have a more formal home with arched windows, you may want a Roman shape–a rectangular pool with arched ends. If you have a very free-flowing landscape design and a less traditional home, you might consider a freeform pool to fit in with that laidback feel. Please note when picking the shape of a pool, automatic pool covers work fine on freeform shaped pools, but best on rectangular pools. After all, you can always get a rectangular pool and shape the concrete decking to be straight, curvy or roman. For more information about automatic pool covers, check out this article.

Thursday Pools has a great selection of pools that will make a welcome addition to your personal backyard vacation spot. The holidays are over, so it’s time to cheer-up, gear-up and get ready for spring.

Until next time-

The General

If you’re ready to take the plunge with a new inground fiberglass pool, get an estimate today. Thursday Pools offers a wide array of handcrafted inground fiberglass pools manufactured in Fortville, Indiana, including the fiberglass beach entry pools (Patent US 10,472,839). They are available from a dealer near you.

The Millers Get a Thursday Pools Monolith

Posted on January 10, 2019September 7, 2021 by krista

Meet the Millers:

Todd, Susan, their kids Lauren (age 7), Camryn (age 5), Susan’s parents, and Stanley, their 10-year-old yellow lab. They live near Indianapolis, Indiana, in Carmel. Todd is an attorney, and Susan is a part-time realtor and full-time mom. She works around 25 hours per week and spends much of her free time chauffeuring the kids to and from swim meets, soccer practice and dance rehearsals. They have active social lives and especially enjoy spending time with Susan’s parents during the summer.

The Millers want a pool.

Getting a pool makes a lot of sense for them because Lauren is on the swim team and Camryn wants to join the swim team (as soon as he’s old enough). This wasn’t immediately a unanimous decision. Susan had to convince Todd just a little bit because he had some concerns about the swimming pool cost. Fortunately, Susan had done tons of research on inground swimming pool financing, and a pool will easily fit within their budget. She also made the point that an inground pool would increase the resale value of their home. (After all, she is a realtor, so she would know…)

Worried that pool maintenance was going to fall on his to-do list and cut into his game-watching time, Todd wanted to know who was going to take care of the pool. Susan assured him that swimming pool maintenance was something they could do as a family, that with a fiberglass pool, it wasn’t as hard as he thought it might be and that there are lots of ways to save time and money on pool maintenance.

Having decided on an inground fiberglass pool as the best bet for them, the only decision they needed to make was which one?

The Millers need to decide which is the best pool for them.

Here are some things that will help them decide:

They have a big yard, and it’s fenced in.
Lauren wants a pool big enough to host pool parties for her swim team.
The whole family likes to play games and get exercise in the water.
Camryn wants to get stronger as a swimmer to beat his sister in races, so he’s hoping for a pool he can swim laps in.
Todd, Susan and the grandparents want a place under their watchful eyes where they can teach the kids how to be safe in the water.
Stanley loves to swim.
Susan wants a place where she and Todd can relax and reconnect at the end of the day.
They all want the pool to be as low-maintenance as possible.

The Millers choose the Monolith by Thursday Pools.

Here’s why:

The Thursday Pools Monolith is big! It’s a deep and large pool that’s big enough for all their friends to party in. (Big enough to hold a whole swim team, in fact.)
The Thursday Pools Monolith has a flat bottom, so Lauren’s swim team can play in-pool games like basketball and volleyball. It’s also a Type 1 diving pool, so they can practice their diving too.
There’s a wide-open swim lane for Camryn to swim laps, but there’s also a 15-inch warning slope for the less-than-strong swimmers who might need a heads-up that they’re approaching the deep-end.
The Thursday Pools Monolith is pet-friendly! It has an awesome gel coat finish and dual swim-outs, so all (especially Stanley) can swim to their heart’s content and easily get in and out of the pool.
The Thursday Pools Monolith is automatic pool cover-ready, so the pool will stay clean when they’re not using it. (And the autocover gives them peace of mind that no one will end up in the pool unattended!)
The dual corner benches make a cozy seat for two where Todd and Susan can chill at the end of the day.

The Millers start living their happily ever after.

Now, the Millers are having a blast with their new Thursday Pools Monolith in their backyard swimming pool oasis. It’s beautifully landscaped, and Lauren’s friends always want to come over and play. All the kids are spending less time on their devices and more time playing together as a family. Camryn’s swimming skills are getting stronger every day, and he’s sure to make the swim team. And Susan and Todd spend quality time together by the pool, counting their blessings and planning for the future. They’re thinking that a spa might be next …

The Millers found their perfect pool, and you can too. Ready to find YOUR happily ever after pool? Contact a dealer today or get an estimate on the inground fiberglass pool of your dreams.

#monolith #perfectpool #ingroundfiberglasspool #funinthesun #happilyeverafter
*Based on the personalities, demographics and fun-loving spirit of our Thursday Pools customers, we’ve created some fictional families and paired them with their perfect pool!

December Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight: Raft to Rafters Pool and Spa, Columbus, Indiana

Posted on December 21, 2018October 24, 2024 by krista

Every month, we chat with Thursday Pools dealers to learn more about their business and what’s trending in their area. This month, we talked to Matt Miller, owner of Raft to Rafters in Columbus, Indiana.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

Our business goes back a very long way! Here’s the story: In the 1960s, my grandfather, Lorin Johnson, who was a delivery man for Wonder Bread, was trying to convince my grandmother to move from town out into the country. She refused, because the kids loved to swim in the town pool, and they wouldn’t be able to get themselves to the pool if they moved to the country. He made her a deal by saying, “If I build us a house with a pool in the country, will you go?” She said “yes”.

And so my grandfather built the house and set about the task of finding a kit to build a pool. But everyone he talked to would only sell to him if he bought more than one kit. He finally found a place called Imperial Pools in New York state that agreed to sell him a single pool kit, so he bought it and built the pool, and they all moved to the country.

Pretty soon, a neighbor said, “Hey, can you build a pool for me?” So he did. And then another neighbor, and another… you get the picture. Pretty soon, he realized he was meant to be in the pool business. So he walked into work one day and said, “I quit. I’m starting my own business.” He had $50 to his name. But he worked so hard, day and night, and they scrimped for quite a while until he got his business up and running.

After a while, he actually became a distributor for Imperial Pools. He would drive out east every summer and load up a trailer full of pools. He helped set up multiple pool companies around this area.

My path wasn’t quite so direct. I started working in the business when I was 14, but I had my sights set on being a pilot. I went to Purdue, studied aviation and got my pilot’s license. But after 9/11, it was hard for pilots to find work. I had also dreamed of being a police officer, so I went to the police academy. But right about the time I was graduating, my grandfather, who was in failing health, asked me to come and talk to him about taking over the business. I was 25 at the time, and the idea of owning a business was a little overwhelming, but my grandfather believed I could do it, so I agreed to give it a shot. I bought the company in 2012. We now have about 20 full-time employees.

What geographic areas does Raft to Rafters serve?

We serve most of southern Indiana. We install pools and spas throughout Columbus, Greensburg, Shelbyville, Seymour, Madison, Batesville and Connersville. We’ll go as far east as Cincinnati.

What do you love about being in the pool business?

You don’t have to convince people to buy a pool. They already know they want one. I never push. If folks aren’t 100 percent sure, I just say to them, “You know, I’ll be here next year too … there’s no rush.” I really enjoy guiding them to make the best decision for their family.

People know I’m going to give them my best price, so there’s no haggling. Some of these people’s families were customers of my grandfather’s! They know my family, and they trust me.

I also love the way a pool brings families together. When kids are in the pool, they’re not on their phones. They’re not playing video games. It’s so much easier for parents to connect with their kids and relax when they have a pool.

And last, but most importantly, I’m honored to carry on my grandfather’s legacy. I know how hard he worked to build this business.

What fiberglass pool designs and colors are the most popular among pool buyers in the areas Raft to Rafters serves?

Just like all the other dealers, I have to say the Aspen. The tanning ledges are a must-have and the shape gives it so much character. Since 95 percent of our pools are installed with an auto-cover, the fact that it’s auto-cover ready is key. We also sell a fair amount of the Lil Bob LX. We do a lot of rural installations, so our customers have plenty of room, and they want a good sized pool.

What are the most popular add-on features in the fiberglass pools you’re installing right now?

In addition to the automatic pool covers, our most popular features are heaters and colored LED lighting packages. Lots of customers are interested in automation and being able to control their pool’s systems with their iPhones.

What do you think about Thursday Pools’ new beach entry designs?

We’ve had a couple of customers ask about the new beach entry designs, Grace and Sandal (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) but I haven’t sold any yet. I’m looking forward to learning more about them at the 2019 Dealer Conference.

What particular challenges do you face with fiberglass pool installations in your part of Indiana?

We’re pretty lucky with soil–just a bit of clay here and there. And as I said, most of our customers have a good amount of acreage, so space isn’t much of a problem either.

What’s the cost of an average pool installation for Raft to Rafters?

Our average fiberglass pool installation is around $73,000. That will include excavation, the pool itself, a heater, LED lighting, an automatic pool safety cover and a pretty substantial amount of concrete.

What trends have you seen emerge lately in the inground fiberglass pool industry?

I’m a HUGE fan of Thursday Pools’ Backfill Eliminator®. I’m not typically an early adopter, but the minute I saw it, I thought, “Man, they’re on to something here. I have to try this.” I jumped right on it. My guys loved it right away. It’s really well built, and it’s a huge money, work and time saver, a God-send.

What have you noticed changing in pool buyers’ demographics over the years?

I would say our average customer is in their 50s, but I just had a pool buyer who was only 25! A few grandparents too.

What works for Raft to Rafters in terms of marketing?

Most of our business is referrals. Like I said, we know these families, and they know us. If they decide they want a pool, they’re going to call us, and if their friends want a pool, they’re going to give their friends our number!

We’ve also recently thought about adding high-end basketball goals and playsets to our line-up of products. It’s just one more thing that might draw a family in.

What are your thoughts on Thursday Pools?

First of all, the fact that they have the ISO 9001 quality certification is awesome! They mentioned it so casually once in a meeting and I was like, “That is huge! You need to be shouting that from the rooftops!” A lot of my customers work for Cummins and Toyota, so that really means something to them.

I deal a lot with Ed and Pilar, and they are just wonderful people. Everyone there is. Thursday Pools puts relationships ahead of business. They will always do the right thing. If I needed them to jump in their truck and come here to help me, I know they would. They’re so smart, but so humble at the same time. I have 100 percent faith in them. How could you not continue to do business with a company like that?

What’s the secret to Raft to Rafters’ success?

Honestly, I strive to run my company the same way Thursday Pools does! I try to do the right thing for the right reason every time and develop relationships. I always try to help my customers see the big picture and look ahead to what they might want down the road. For example, if they don’t want a fire pit or a water feature now but think they might in a year or two, I can run the gas line or piping before we pour the concrete and save them thousands of dollars down the line. People appreciate that.

And also my people here. Everyone I know is talking about how they can’t find qualified workers. I’m blessed with an amazing staff and incredibly low turnover. One lady who works here used to work for my grandfather! She’s in her 80s! I can sell pools all day long, but without my employees, I have nothing.

About Raft to Rafters Pool and Spa

Raft to Rafters Pool and Spa sells and services inground and above-ground vinyl liner pools, inground fiberglass pools, spas, outdoor furniture and grills. They offer weekly maintenance, pool inspections, pool renovations and pool opening and closing service. They offer service throughout Bartholomew County and Jackson County, Indiana

Some of the content in this blog may reflect prices, perspectives, processes, entities, and names that were relevant at the time but may not be accurate today.

November Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight: Easy Living Pools, Plain City, Ohio

Posted on November 28, 2018August 1, 2024 by riley

Each month, we enjoy learning more about a member of the Thursday Pools dealer family for our dealer spotlight. In November, we chatted with Chris Matthews, president of Easy Living Pools, which sells and installs both vinyl liner pools and inground fiberglass pools in Plain City, Ohio.

Easy Living Pools is located in Union County, Ohio and serves the central Ohio region, including the areas in and around: Columbus, Bellefontaine, Springfield, Marysville, Delaware, Granville and Marion, Ohio.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

Our company, Builderscape was founded by my father Ron Matthews in 2003. We built our business on design/build commercial construction. I joined the company full-time when I graduated from college. My dad dabbled in the pool business on and off over the years but was frustrated by the unreliability of suppliers. But the pool business has changed a lot over the last 20 to 30 years. We dipped our toes in the water again about ten years ago. We were selling just a couple of pools per year. Pretty soon, we realized we needed to have the word “pools” in our name if we wanted to really penetrate the market. So we created a division of our company called Easy Living Pools. We started out selling vinyl liner pools, but around 2014, a guy named Gene Foster with Thursday Pools knocked on our door and told us we needed to sell Thursday Pools fiberglass pools. He was right. We did.

At this point, pools make up about 40 percent of Builderscape’s overall business. We do up to 50 pools in a year in our current market. Our pool business nearly tripled from 2017 to this year, and 2019 is going to be a record year. Another 40 percent of our business is commercial general contracting, with landscaping and snow removal comprising the rest.

My dad is in the process of phasing out his role so that he can retire. In fact, he just moved his desk out! He’s not here on a daily basis anymore, so my role is changing.

What do you love about being in the pool business?

Pools are a place where families can be together for so many years, generation after generation. When we sell a pool, we’re selling memories. Not many other products can do that.

What fiberglass pool designs and colors are the most popular among pool buyers in the central Indiana area?

Like many other Thursday Pools dealers, our two biggest sellers are the Aspen and Lil Bob designs. We’re buying Lil Bobs by the truckload. Around here at least, the homes are getting bigger, but the lots are getting smaller and easements are plentiful, so it’s good to have a range of sizes available. Maya is our biggest seller in terms of color, followed closely by California.

What are the most popular add-on features in the fiberglass pools you’re installing right now?

This is definitely auto-cover country. Personally, I wouldn’t have a pool without one. So almost all the pools we sell are auto-cover ready. People will stretch their budgets to get one. Our customers also really like water features, like deck jets.

What do you think about Thursday Pools’ new beach entry fiberglass pool designs?

They’re interesting, for sure. They require a lot more space than a standard entry pool, so folks with smaller lots won’t be able to have them, but people with larger lots might try one.

What particular challenges do you face with fiberglass pool installations in your part of Ohio?

We’ve got good dirt here with a few areas that require rock excavation. Tight access on smaller lots is our biggest challenge. Also, we’re heavy on permits and inspections here, within the city limits at least. You have to be a licensed general contractor to pull permits. Some want gas and electrical calculations, so we typically handle all of that for our inground pool customers.

What’s the cost of an average pool installation for you?

An average installation for us is about $125,000 to $150,000. We do almost everything in-house, including fencing. The only thing we subcontract is the concrete.

What trends have you seen emerge lately in the inground fiberglass pool industry?

People want ideas. They want a full-scale outdoor living environments–an entertainment space. So we’re installing pavilions, some outdoor kitchens and even putting greens with synthetic turf to round out the area surrounding the inground fiberglass pools we build.

What have you noticed changing in pool buyers’ demographics over the years?

Our buyers continue to get younger. Our demographic is between 30 and 45 years old. They’re not afraid to finance, so we’ve teamed up with lenders to make it easier for them. In their minds, it’s just like having a car payment.

What works for you in terms of marketing?

We don’t even have a sign on our building. We work through word of mouth referrals.

What are your thoughts on Thursday Pools?

Thursday Pools’ marketing is top notch. Their brochures are beautiful, and their website is fantastic. They’re setting the bar, and other pool companies are working to catch up. I also like the fact that Bill and Ed don’t hide behind their customer service staff. If you need them, they’re there.

What else would you like to see from Thursday Pools in terms of dealer support?

Although Thursday Pools has some of the fastest turnaround times in the fiberglass pool industry, we’re in the Amazon Prime era. So I’d like to see a way to have pools ready to order. People don’t want to wait for their pools.

What’s the secret to Easy Living Pool’s success?

We are a full-service design/build firm, from concept to 3D design to completion. We have a landscape architect on staff. We have a design center, and our customers come to us first, just like they would if they were building a home or buying a car. Our team is top notch, and we’ve built a reputation over the years. All of these things set us apart from our competition.

Also, we’re continually reinvesting in our business. We bought a semi so we could control the timing of our pool deliveries. We have 15 acres of storage so we can keep an inventory of 30 to 40 pools on hand. People like to sit in a pool shell to get a feel for how big it is. We’ll continue to grow to the demand. We’re not afraid to grow.

About Easy Living Pools

Easy Living Pools is a division of Builderscape, Inc. in Plain City, Ohio. Located in Plain City, Ohio, Easy Living Pools sells and installs vinyl liner and inground fiberglass pools throughout Union County and central Ohio. They specialize in full-service inground swimming pool installations, including fencing and landscaping.

Some of the content in this blog may reflect prices, perspectives, processes, entities, and names that were relevant at the time but may not be accurate today.